Evaluation of Mothers' Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Performance in the Field of Exclusive Breastfeeding and its Related Factors in Infants Less than 6 Months of Age in Ashkzar City of Yazd Province

Introduction: Considering the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits for infants and the need for necessary education for successful breastfeeding, the present study aimed to determine the knowledge, self-efficacy, and performance of mothers in the field of exclusive breastfeeding and its related factors in infants less than 6 months of age in Ashkzar, Yazd. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 300 mothers with infants less than 6 months of age using a researcher-made questionnaire with face-to-face interviews and telephone calls. The indicators related to exclusive breastfeeding were calculated using SPSS 20 software. The relationships between independent and dependent variables were analyzed and the most important factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding were determined. Results: The results showed that the mean age of mothers was 43.28 ± 6.59. Mean and deviation of knowledge, self-efficacy, and performance scores of mothers in the field of exclusive breastfeeding were 18.82, 16.72, and 16.11, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the mean score of exclusive breastfeeding with the number of fetus, using a bottle, using a pacifier, and birth weight. Conclusion:  Due to the modifiable nature of most factors related to breast milk, it is possible to increase the exclusive breastfeeding of infants by education and using modern methods of appropriate counseling by health workers.